US signs $142B deal to upgrade Saudi military
Announcement says the US will help modernize Riyadh’s air force and space capabilities, air and missile defenses, maritime and coastal fleet and border security forces, White House says.
WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump touted a deal to upgrade Saudi Arabia’s military across multiple domains on Tuesday, in the latest advertisement of Washington’s strategic investment in the kingdom.
The $142 billion agreement will see Saudi Arabia buy "state-of-the-art war-fighting equipment and services from over a dozen US defense firms," a White House readout of the agreement read.
The sales aim to help modernize the kingdom’s air force and space capabilities, air and missile defenses, maritime and border security, along with upgrades to information and communications systems. “The package also includes extensive training and support to build the capacity of the Saudi armed forces, including enhancement of Saudi service academies and military medical services,” the White House said.
“This deal represents a significant investment in Saudi Arabia’s defense and regional security, built on American systems and training,” the statement read.
